I was in the market for a medium-sized brightly colored bag, so I decided to make one using McCall's M5599, style b. The bag is the perfect size and shape, in my opinion-- large enough to carry around books, lunch, and a small knitting project, but not enormous and bulky.

I like this fabric because it's summery and the neutral colors match with just about anything. On the inside, it has a silky chocolate brown lining with pockets. I've been using the bag for a couple weeks now and I'm really happy with it so far.

I left out the interfacing-- which I never have and always forget to buy-- as well as the cardboard insert in the bottom. I'm still debating whether this was a good idea or not; although this makes the bag washable and allows it to be squished into a ball or folded into a small square, it probably would look better if it were more structured. I did double the material on the straps and the bottom for reinforcement.